All scales articles
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BlogsA lifetime journey of learning: the cellist’s guide to scales and arpeggios
How do you find joy in practising scales? Cellist Robert Jesselson may have the answer, in the form of a new resource for cellists
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Premium ❘ FeatureGeminiani’s scales: a portal to the past
Geminiani’s scale exercises in his seminal 1751 treatise The Art of Playing on the Violin may look puzzlingly random to modern eyes, but violinist Benjamin Shute argues that they can reveal useful insights into the thinking behind performance practice of the time
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FocusThe Strad Podcast #76: Violist Nick Revel on practising scales
Nick speaks about the role of scales in his playing past and present, as well as his scale practice tool DragonScales
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: how to encourage students to trust their ears
A reader asks what can be done to help young students who rely on learning finger placement rather than trusting their ears. Three teachers give their views
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Premium ❘ FeatureTechnique: Scale and arpeggio practice
Violinist Andrea Gajic gives hints and tips on practising scales and arpeggios
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FocusHow to make scales enjoyable
Encouraging students to practise scales needn't be an uphill struggle, says Paul Harris - in fact, it can even be fun!
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BlogsShould Scale Systems Come With A Health Warning?
Violinist Hector Scott examines how players can use scales to exercise curiosity and exploration of musical expressivity, as opposed to excessive, grinding, repetitive practice
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ReviewBook review: Exercises and Scales for Violin Positions: Handbook for Violin Lessons
Celia Cobb reviews a guide to shifting and position-work by Ines Ana Tomić
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FocusHow to make the most of cello scales
Approach scales with commitment, imagination and daring, and they will inspire your cello playing, argues Mats Lidström
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ArticleA 30-minute daily practice routine for violinists and violists
How to keep your playing in shape while maintaining a busy schedule, by Misha Galaganov, professor of viola and chamber music at Texas Christian University, TX, US
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Focus5 ways to improve playing in thirds
Tips for hand position, bow distribution and intonation from The Strad Archive
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Premium ❘ FeatureEncouraging independent learning in music lessons
Are scales squeezed out and sightreading neglected? Paul Harris shares some ideas on integrating core skills into your students' lessons
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Focus10 tips for improving your scales
Guidance from The Strad 's archive on tuning, bow control, shifting, direction and pulse
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FocusTechnique: Two-octave scales and arpeggios
An essential way to improve tone and intonation by Michael Frischenschlager, professor emeritus of violin at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna
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FocusWhat is the best scale system for string students?
The Strad's panel of teaching experts answer reader questions as part of the magazine's Teacher talk series
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BlogsViolinist Alexander Sitkovetsky on the importance of practising scales
Scales are invaluable to all aspects of playing says the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Northern College of Music violin professor
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FocusScales and exercises are essential for all string players
Not all players regard exercises as important, but without a sound technical basis you cannot achieve your expressive potential, writes the cellist
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ArticleViolinist Christian Tetzlaff on whether or not to practise scales
Sometimes in a concert if you feel tense or unsure, you might want muscle memory and motor skills to take over for a while so you can remove yourself from the performance and calm down...' Violinist Christian Tetzlaff and neurologist Dr Steven Frucht talk about whether scales and technical exercises ...
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ArticleThe Strad Technique: Michael Frischenschlager's Violin Scale System
Michael Frischenschlager, professor emeritus at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, explains his two-octave violin scale and arpeggio system for improving tone and intonation in The Strad's December 2015 issueStudents work in pairs, playing in harmony, and perform each exercise ppp and fff, in major and ...
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BlogsI never practise scales and studies from books, says violinist James Ehnes
The Strad’s November issue cover star on why pieces contain almost all the technical components necessary for practice